Identifying Strategies for the Prevention of Vocal Problems among Potential Music Educators

Series Title:

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Physical Description:

Serial

Language:

English

Creator:

Crane, Kathleen M.Altman, SarahSmith, Brenda ( Mentor )

Publisher:

University of Florida

Place of Publication:

Gainesville, Fla.

Publication Date:

2010

Notes

Abstract:

The voice is the greatest tool of the music educator, whose daily tasks require voice use including both speaking and singing. As such, it is vital that those who teach music preserve and protect their voices. The purpose of this research study was to measure and evaluate the vocal efficiency of music students preparing for their student teaching internships. Using Estill Voice Evaluation Suite (VES) software, ten students were acoustically screened before and after a prescribed video-recorded teaching task with the intention of identifying positive vocal behaviors and preventing vocal injury. The participants were also asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding their vocal health as it relates to their career in teaching through a series of subjective and objective questions. The data from the pre- and post-acoustical measurements with evidence from the video recording were compiled for comparison and analysis. After eliminating variables such as discipline, student age and ability, class size, and ambient noise, the investigators were able to create a near-optimal teaching environment. Even within a near-optimal environment, mild acoustic changes occurred and were noted in addition to several different vocal misuses and mild overall vocal deterioration. The paper will demonstrate the methods and report the findings from subjective and objective data.